Life — February 12, 1903 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Follow the Leader" - A Political Satire The main cartoon depicts figures following a leader off a cliff into danger, labeled "The Game of 'Follow the Leader.'" This is classic satirical commentary on blind political allegiance and the dangers of uncritical followership. The page includes three separate pieces: "A Refutation" addressing Mr. Gibson's departure from *The Ladies' Home Journal*, "A Prophecy" (verse warning of consequences), and "The Fountain of Youth" (unrelated). The refutation defends *Life* magazine's editorial position against Gibson's exit, suggesting editorial disagreement between the publications. The verse "A Prophecy" uses snake imagery and colonial/imperial references (mentions of jungle, mountains, the "Kiss of the Snake"), likely criticizing British imperial ventures or specific 19th-century colonial policies. The satirical point: leaders blindly following dangerous paths endanger their followers.